Methods for assessing efficacy of renal neuromodulation and associated systems and devices

ABSTRACT

Provided herein are methods, devices and compositions for assessing neuromodulation efficacy based on changes in the level of one or more biomarkers in plasma or urine collected from a human subject following a renal neuromodulation procedure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/042,281, filed Aug. 28, 2014, and incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety.

ADDITIONAL APPLICATION(S) INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The following application is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety:

International PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2013/030041, entitled“BIOMARKER SAMPLING IN THE CONTEXT OF NEUROMODULATION DEVICES ANDASSOCIATED SYSTEMS,” filed Mar. 8, 2013.

As such, components and features of embodiments disclosed in thisapplication may be combined with various components and featuresdisclosed in the present application.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technology is related to neuromodulation, such as renalneuromodulation and systems, devices, and methods for assessing efficacyof renal neuromodulation on subjects.

BACKGROUND

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is a primarily involuntary bodilycontrol system typically associated with stress responses. Fibers of theSNS innervate tissue in almost every organ system of the human body andcan affect characteristics such as pupil diameter, gut motility, andurinary output. Such regulation can have adaptive utility in maintaininghomeostasis or in preparing the body for rapid response to environmentalfactors. Chronic activation of the SNS, however, is a common maladaptiveresponse that can drive the progression of many disease states.Excessive activation of the renal SNS in particular has been identifiedexperimentally and in humans as a likely contributor to the complexpathophysiology of hypertension, states of volume overload (such asheart failure), and progressive renal disease. For example, radiotracerdilution has demonstrated increased renal norepinephrine (NE) spilloverrates in patients with essential hypertension.

Cardio-renal sympathetic nerve hyperactivity can be particularlypronounced in patients with heart failure. For example, an exaggeratedNE overflow from the heart and kidneys to plasma is often found in thesepatients. Heightened SNS activation commonly characterizes both chronicand end stage renal disease. In patients with end stage renal disease,NE plasma levels above the median have been demonstrated to bepredictive for cardiovascular diseases and several causes of death. Thisis also true for patients suffering from diabetic or contrastnephropathy. Evidence suggests that sensory afferent signals originatingfrom diseased kidneys are major contributors to initiating andsustaining elevated central sympathetic outflow.

Sympathetic nerves innervating the kidneys terminate in the bloodvessels, the juxtaglomerular apparatus, and the renal tubules.Stimulation of the renal sympathetic nerves can cause increased reninrelease, increased sodium (Na+) reabsorption, and a reduction of renalblood flow. These neural regulation components of renal function areconsiderably stimulated in disease states characterized by heightenedsympathetic tone and likely contribute to increased blood pressure inhypertensive patients. The reduction of renal blood flow and glomerularfiltration rate as a result of renal sympathetic efferent stimulation islikely a cornerstone of the loss of renal function in cardio-renalsyndrome (i.e., renal dysfunction as a progressive complication ofchronic heart failure). Pharmacologic strategies to thwart theconsequences of renal efferent sympathetic stimulation include centrallyacting sympatholytic drugs, beta blockers (intended to reduce reninrelease), angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and receptor blockers(intended to block the action of angiotensin II and aldosteroneactivation consequent to renin release), and diuretics (intended tocounter the renal sympathetic mediated sodium and water retention).These pharmacologic strategies, however, have significant limitationsincluding limited efficacy, compliance issues, side effects, and others.Recently, intravascular devices that reduce sympathetic nerve activityby applying an energy field to a target site in the renal blood vessel(e.g., via radio frequency (RF) ablation) have been shown to reduceblood pressure in patients with treatment-resistant hypertension.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood withreference to the following drawing(s). The components in the drawingsare not necessarily to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed onillustrating clearly the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a plot of vanillylmandelic acid and noradrenalineconcentration levels in urine collected before and after renalneuromodulation procedures performed in animal subjects.

FIG. 2 illustrates an intravascular neuromodulation system configured inaccordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 3 illustrates modulating renal nerves with a neuromodulation systemconfigured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present technology is directed to methods, systems, devices andcompositions for monitoring, assessing and/or determiningneuromodulation efficacy by detecting changes in the level of one ormore surrogate biomarkers (e.g., associated with hypertension, highblood pressure, norepinephrine spillover, etc.) in plasma or urine in apatient. Specific details of several embodiments of the technology aredescribed below with reference to FIGS. 1-3. Although many of theembodiments are described below with respect to methods, systems,devices and compositions for monitoring and/or determination of renalneuromodulation efficacy, other applications (e.g., monitoring levels ofsurrogate biomarkers in the absence of neuromodulation) and otherembodiments in addition to those described herein are within the scopeof the technology. Additionally, several other embodiments of thetechnology can have different configurations, components, or proceduresthan those described herein. A person of ordinary skill in the art,therefore, will accordingly understand that the technology can haveother embodiments with additional elements, or the technology can haveother embodiments without several of the features shown and describedbelow with reference to FIGS. 1-3.

Several current methods for neuromodulation would benefit from a processfor relatively non-invasive and rapid evaluation of success of theprocedure. Examples of neuromodulation methods that may benefit fromnon-invasive, rapid evaluation and/or efficacy assessment methodsinclude renal denervation, for example to treat clinical conditionscharacterized by increased overall sympathetic activity and,particularly, renal sympathetic activity. Such clinical conditions caninclude hypertension, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, diabetes,left ventricular hypertrophy, chronic end stage renal disease,inappropriate fluid retention in heart failure, cardio-renal syndrome,osteoporosis, and sudden death.

“Neuromodulation” is the partial or complete incapacitation or effectivedisruption of one or more nerves. Such incapacitation or disruption canbe long term (e.g., permanent or for periods of months or years) orshort term (e.g., for periods of minutes, hours, days, or weeks). “Renalneuromodulation” is the partial or complete incapacitation or effectivedisruption of the nerves of the kidneys, including nerves terminating inthe kidneys or in structures closely associated with the kidneys. Renalneuromodulation is expected to efficaciously treat several clinicalconditions characterized by increased overall sympathetic activity, and,in particular, conditions associated with central sympatheticoverstimulation such as hypertension, heart failure, acute myocardialinfarction, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, diabetes, leftventricular hypertrophy, chronic and end stage renal disease,inappropriate fluid retention in heart failure, cardio-renal syndrome,osteoporosis, and sudden death, among others. The reduction of afferentneural signals typically contributes to the systemic reduction ofsympathetic tone/drive, and renal neuromodulation is expected to beuseful in treating several conditions associated with systemicsympathetic overactivity or hyperactivity.

In one example, spillover (e.g., renal or total body) plasmanorepinephrine levels is a marker of elevated sympathetic nerveactivity. Accordingly, a decrease in sympathetic nerve activity may beobserved via a marker of sympathetic nerve activity in patients havinghypertension, such as decreased levels of plasma norepinephrine(noradrenaline).

Biomolecules, such as catecholamines and other neuropeptides, are knownto be involved in the modulation of blood pressure. As an example,radiotracer dilution has demonstrated increased renal NE spillover ratesin patients with essential hypertension. At synapses within thesympathetic ganglia, preganglionic sympathetic neurons releaseacetylcholine, a chemical messenger that binds and activates nicotinicacetylcholine receptors on postganglionic neurons. In response to thisstimulus, postganglionic neurons principally release noradrenaline(norepinephrine). Prolonged activation may elicit the release ofadrenaline from the adrenal medulla.

Once released, NE binds adrenergic receptors on peripheral tissues.Binding to adrenergic receptors causes a neuronal and hormonal response.The physiologic manifestations include pupil dilation, increased heartrate, occasional vomiting, and increased blood pressure. Increasedsweating is also seen due to binding of cholinergic receptors of thesweat glands. As mentioned above, the renal sympathetic nervous systemhas been identified as a major contributor to the complexpathophysiology of hypertension, states of volume overload (such asheart failure), and progressive renal disease, both experimentally andin humans. Studies employing radiotracer dilution methodology to measureoverflow of NE from the kidneys to plasma revealed increased renal NEspillover rates in patients with essential hypertension, particularly soin young hypertensive subjects, which in concert with increased NEspillover from the heart, is consistent with the hemodynamic profiletypically seen in early hypertension and characterized by an increasedheart rate, cardiac output, and renovascular resistance. It is now knownthat essential hypertension is commonly neurogenic, often accompanied bypronounced SNS overactivity.

Both chronic and end-stage renal disease are characterized by heightenedsympathetic nerve activation. In patients with end-stage renal disease,plasma levels of NE above the median have been demonstrated to bepredictive for both all-cause death and death from cardiovasculardisease. This is also true for patients suffering from diabetic orcontrast nephropathy. There is compelling evidence suggesting thatsensory afferent signals originating from the diseased kidneys are majorcontributors to initiating and sustaining elevated central sympatheticoutflow in this patient group; this facilitates the occurrence of thewell-known adverse consequences of chronic sympathetic overactivity,such as hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, ventriculararrhythmias, sudden cardiac death, insulin resistance, diabetes, andmetabolic syndrome.

In accordance with aspects of the present technology, a decrease insympathetic nerve activity may be observed via a marker of sympatheticnerve activity in patients having hypertension, such as decreased levelsof plasma NE (noradrenaline), changes in levels of systemic renin inplasma, and/or changes in levels of systemic aldosterone in plasma.Other measures or markers of sympathetic nerve activity can includemuscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), NE spillover, and/or heartrate variability. Other measurable physiological parameters or markers,such as improved blood pressure control, changes in aldosterone-to-reninratio (ARR), changes in a salt suppression test, changes in blood plasmalevels of potassium, etc., can also be used to assess efficacy of therenal neuromodulation treatment for patients having hypertension. Incertain embodiments, renal neuromodulation may be repeated one or moretimes at various intervals until a desired sympathetic nerve activitylevel or another therapeutic benchmark is reached.

In some embodiments, renal neuromodulation is expected to result in achange in blood pressure and/or sympathetic nerve activity over aspecific timeframe. For example, in certain of these embodiments, bloodpressure and/or sympathetic nerve activity levels are decreased over anextended timeframe, e.g., within 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 6 months,9 months or 12 months post-neuromodulation.

Efficacy of many current renal neuromodulation methods is evaluatedafter the procedure has been completed by monitoring acute changes inblood pressure, but statistically meaningful changes in blood pressuremay not be observed until about 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, ormore after completion. Moreover, blood pressure changes can beinherently variable in individual patients due to time, activity level,adrenal fatigue, long-term or short-term pharmacological interventionand a host of other factors. In the absence of relativelycontemporaneous feedback (e.g., less than about 30 minutes) and/oradditional, less variable biochemical reporting of renal neuromodulationefficacy, interventionists may not have a reliable assessment of theimmediate efficacy of the treatment procedure, the long-term clinicaloutcome of the patient due to the procedure, and/or the value of arepeat procedure to meet therapeutic benchmarks in individual patients.

I. METHODS FOR ASSESSING EFFICACY OF RENAL NEUROMODULATION

Disclosed herein are several embodiments of methods and processes formonitoring and assessing neuromodulation efficacy by detecting changesin the level of one or more surrogate biomarkers associated withhypertension and/or high blood pressure, as well as methods andprocesses of performing neuromodulation that incorporate monitoring ordetermination of neuromodulation efficacy based on changes in level ofone or more surrogate biomarkers. The disclosed methods are expected toallow for procedure-specific, non-invasive and/or relativelycontemporaneous monitoring of neuromodulation efficacy. In certainembodiments, these methods and processes are used to monitor theefficacy of renal neuromodulation. Also provided herein are methods oftreating hypertension in a subject in need thereof using renalneuromodulation, wherein the methods include steps for monitoring and/orassessing the efficacy of the neuromodulation procedure by detectingchanges in the level of one or more surrogate biomarkers associated withhypertension and/or high blood pressure. Further provided herein aredevices and compositions for use in conjunction with the disclosedmethods.

Several embodiments of methods for monitoring neuromodulation efficacyby detecting changes in the level of one or more surrogate biomarkers inaccordance with the present technology are described herein. As usedherein “surrogate biomarker” can refer to a biomarker that directly orindirectly correlates with sympathetic nervous activity in the patient,or in another embodiment, a biomarker that directly or indirectlycorrelates with blood pressure. In certain embodiments, these methodscan be used to determine whether a neuromodulation procedure wassuccessful (e.g., whether the procedure resulted in partial or completeincapacitation or effective disruption of one or more target nerves andachieved a desirable therapeutic response), partially successful (e.g.,whether the procedure resulted in incomplete or partial disruption ofone or more target nerves and achieved a partially desirable therapeuticresponse), or was unsuccessful (e.g., whether the procedure resulted inincomplete disruption or no disruption of one or more target nerves anddid not achieve a desirable therapeutic response).

Surrogate biomarker(s) for use in conjunction with the methods disclosedherein may be any biomolecule that exhibits a quantitative anddetectable change in level following neuromodulation in a desiredmanner. In certain embodiments, for example, surrogate biomarkers may beproteins or metabolites thereof. In these embodiments, a change inprotein level may refer to a change in expression (as measured by mRNAor protein level) or secretion. In other embodiments, surrogatebiomarkers may be small molecules, peptides, or other non-proteincompounds. Provided in certain embodiments are compositions comprisingone or more surrogate biomarkers and/or one or more reagents ordetection agents for use in detection and/or quantification of thebiomarker(s) and for use in the methods disclosed herein.

In particular embodiments, the surrogate biomarkers may be smallmolecules such as catecholamines or other neurotransmitters(particularly those associated with sympathetic nervous activity) suchas NE, epinephrine, dopamine or secreted metabolites or cellular debristhereof. Catecholamines (NE, epinephrine, dopamine) break down intoother biomolecules (e.g., metabolites), which leave the body throughurine excretion. For example, NE breaks down into metabolitesnormetanephrine and vanillylmandelic acid (VMA); epinephrine breaks downinto metabolites metanephrine and VMA; and dopamine breaks down intometabolite homovanillic acid (HVA). Accordingly, in one embodiment,changes in concentration levels of particular catecholamines in plasma,or in other embodiments, concentration levels of particularcatecholamines and metabolites of catecholamines (or combinationsthereof) in urine can be determined and compared (a) between pre- andpost-neuromodulation treatment, and/or (b) between post-neuromodulationtreatment and pre-determined range of concentration level(s).

In other embodiments, the surrogate biomarkers may be neuropeptides,such as neuropeptide Y (NPY) and vasopressin, which are implicatedsystemic markers of hypertension. NPY is a neuropeptide that acts as aneurotransmitter in the brain and in the autonomic nervous systems ofhumans and is known to function as a vasoconstrictor. The NPY gene iswidely expressed in the peripheral and central nervous systems and isinvolved in diverse physiological functions including blood pressureregulation. Plasma NPY levels correlate with blood pressure levels andhave been shown to be elevated in hypertensive patients (Hypertension.November 2012; 60(5): 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.112.197855). Vasopressinis a neurohypophysial hormone that functions to retain water in the body(e.g., by increasing water reabsorption in the collecting ducts of thekidney nephron) and to increase peripheral vascular resistance (e.g., byinducing vasoconstriction), which in turn increases arterial bloodpressure. Vasopressin has been implicated as being expressed highly inthe plasma as a result of hypertension (Changes Of Vasopressin InHypertension: Cause Or Effect? The Lancet, Volume 307, Issue 7972, Pages1255-1257). Accordingly, in one embodiment, changes in concentrationlevels of NPY or Vasopressin in plasma can be determined and compared(a) between pre- and post-neuromodulation treatment, and/or (b) betweenpost-neuromodulation treatment and pre-determined range of concentrationlevel(s).

In additional embodiments, the surrogate biomarkers may be proteins,such as globular proteins found in urine and plasma. For example, thesurrogate biomarker can be albumin, or microalbuminuria detected inurine. Albumin levels in the urine can be used to show early indicationof deteriorating renal function and increased vascular permeability. Itis known that patients with high blood pressure levels have increasedlevels of albumin or microalbuminuria excreted from the patient inurine. Accordingly, in one embodiment, changes in concentration levelsof albumin or microalbuminuria in plasma and/or urine can be determinedand compared (a) between pre- and post-neuromodulation treatment, and/or(b) between post-neuromodulation treatment and pre-determined range ofconcentration level(s).

In further embodiments, the surrogate biomarkers may be biomoleculesthat participate in the body's renin-angiotensin aldosterone system(RAAS), which regulates blood pressure and water (fluid) balance. Forexample, the components of RAAS, can, in part, regulate a body's meanarterial blood pressure, such as by mediating extracellular volume(e.g., blood plasma, lymph, interstitial fluid), and arterialvasoconstriction. Renin, which is an angiotensinogenase, is secreted bythe afferent arterioles of the kidney from specialized cells of thejuxtaglomerular apparatus and in response to decreases in arterial bloodpressure or sodium levels and sympathetic nervous system activity. Reninprimarily activates other components of the RAAS, which ultimatelyresults in an increase in arterial blood pressure. The adrenal glandsproduce aldosterone as part of the RAAS, which causes the tubules of thekidneys to increase the reabsorption of ions (e.g., sodium) and waterinto the blood, which, in turn, increases blood volume and bloodpressure.

Renal sympathetic activity causes the kidneys to increase reninproduction, which ultimately leads to increased aldosterone productionvia the RAAS. Elevated renin production and increased aldosterone levelsin plasma are correlated with elevated renal sympathetic activity andhypertension. Accordingly, these neural regulation components of renalfunction are considerably stimulated in disease states characterized byheightened sympathetic tone and likely contribute to increased bloodpressure in hypertensive patients. Renal neuromodulation is expected toreduce renal sympathetic neural activity, thereby causing a reduction inelevated renin production, and decreased aldosterone production.Intravascular devices that reduce sympathetic nerve activity byapplying, for example, RF energy to target site(s) along the renalartery have recently been shown to reduce blood pressure in patientswith treatment-resistant hypertension. Accordingly, in one embodiment,changes in concentration levels of renin, aldosterone or othercomponents of RAAS in plasma and/or urine can be determined and compared(a) between pre- and post-neuromodulation treatment, and/or (b) betweenpost-neuromodulation treatment and pre-determined range of concentrationlevel(s).

In certain embodiments, the methods disclosed herein can include (a)determining a baseline level of one or more surrogate biomarkers inplasma and/or urine; (b) performing the neuromodulation procedure; (c)determining a post-neuromodulation level for the surrogate biomarker(s)in plasma and/or urine; and (d) comparing the post-neuromodulation levelto the baseline level, wherein the neuromodulation procedure isclassified as at least partially successful if the post-neuromodulationlevel differs significantly from the baseline level. In certainembodiments, a significant difference in level means a difference ofabout 10% or greater, about 20% or greater, about 30% or greater, about40% or greater, about 50% or greater, about 60% or greater, about 70% orgreater, about 80% or greater or about 90% or greater. In otherembodiments, a significant difference in level means a difference ofabout 2-fold or greater, for example about 3-fold or greater, about4-fold or greater, or about 5-fold or greater. For some biomarkers, thepost-neuromodulation level is expected to be significantly less (e.g.,reduced) than the baseline level. For other biomarkers, thepost-neuromodulation level is expected to be significantly greater(e.g., increased) than the baseline level.

In other embodiments, these methods can include (a) performing theneuromodulation procedure; (b) determining a post-neuromodulation levelfor one or more surrogate biomarkers in plasma and/or urine; and (c)comparing the post-neuromodulation level to a pre-determined thresholdlevel, wherein the neuromodulation procedure is classified as at leastpartially successful if the post-neuromodulation level is less than thepre-determined threshold level. In another embodiment, theneuromodulation procedure can be classified as at least partiallysuccessful if the post-neuromodulation level is no greater than about5%, or about 10%, or about 20% above the pre-determined threshold level.In one embodiment, the pre-determined threshold level can be an upperlimit of a normal range of level for the biomarker(s). In otherembodiments, the pre-determined threshold level can be a different value(e.g., an average level achieved for patients having undergonesuccessful or partially successful renal neuromodulation).

In still other embodiments, these methods include (a) performing theneuromodulation procedure; (b) determining a post-neuromodulation levelfor one or more surrogate biomarkers in plasma and/or urine; and (c)comparing the post-neuromodulation level to a pre-determined range oflevel, wherein the neuromodulation procedure is classified as successfulif the post-neuromodulation level falls within or near thepre-determined range of level. In particular examples of assessingneuromodulation efficacy via changes in concentration levels ofcatecholamines and metabolites thereof, patient urine can be collectedover a 24 hour period following neuromodulation treatment in thepatient. The pre-determined range of concentration levels can be normalvalues found in human urine (collected and assessed over a 24 hourperiod). Patient urine can be examined for levels of individualcatecholamines and their metabolites and can be compared to the normalvalues. Table 1 below sets forth normal values of catecholamines andmetabolites of catecholamines found in urine over a 24 hour period oftime.

TABLE 1 Normal Concentration of Catecholamines and Metabolites in HumanUrine Biomolecule Concentration/24 hours Dopamine 65-400 mcg/24 hoursEpinephrine 0.5-20 mcg/24 hours Metanephrine 24-96 mcg/24 hours*Norepinephrine 15-80 mcg/24 hours Normetanephrine 75-375 mcg/24 hoursVanillylmandelic acid 2-7 mg/24 hours Total urine catecholamines 14-110mcg/24 hours *Some laboratories report the normal range as 140-785mcg/24-hours.

In certain embodiments, a post-neuromodulation surrogate biomarker levelis determined in an acute timeframe (e.g., within about 15 minutesfollowing denervation, within 30 minutes or less following denervation,etc.). In some embodiments, neuromodulation efficacy by determining asurrogate biomarker level in plasma or urine can be assessed while asubject is still catheterized (e.g., within the renal vasculature). Inother embodiments, however, post-neuromodulation biomarker level may bemeasured in a chronic timeframe, e.g., within several hours, days,weeks, or months following denervation. For example, thepost-neuromodulation biomarker level can be determined at about 15minutes, about 24 hours and/or about 7 days post-denervation. In anotherexample, the post-neuromodulation biomarker level can also be determinedabout 1 month, about 3 months and/or about 6 months post-denervation. Incertain embodiments, the methods provided herein include (a) determininga baseline level of one or more surrogate biomarkers in plasma and/orurine collected from a patient, (b) at least partially inhibitingsympathetic neural activity in a renal nerve of the subject via aneuromodulation assembly (discussed in more detail below), (c)determining a post-neuromodulation level for the surrogate biomarker(s)in plasma and/or urine collected from the patient, and (d) comparing thepost-neuromodulation level to the baseline level, wherein theneuromodulation procedure is classified as at least partially successfulif the post-neuromodulation level differs significantly from thebaseline level.

The surrogate biomarkers presented herein may have their own uniquephysiological response profile following a successful or sufficientneuromodulation procedure. In some examples, a surrogate biomarker isexpected to demonstrate a decrease in level compared to a baseline,threshold or other predetermined level in an acute time-frame, in achronic time-frame, or both. In other examples, a surrogate biomarker isexpected to demonstrate an increase in level compared to a baseline,threshold or other predetermined level in the acute time-frame, chronictime-frame, or both. In still other examples, certain surrogatebiomarkers may demonstrate other physiological response profiles thatinclude both increases and decreases as either concentration spikes/dipsor slower trends over time. In a particular example, such a surrogatebiomarker may show a significant increase (e.g., a concentration spike)in an acute time frame followed by a significant lowering over time(e.g., chronic time-frame) as a result of a successful neuromodulationtreatment. Accordingly, surrogate biomarkers can be selected, in part,based on their unique physiological response profile, a patient'sbaseline profile, or other factors for assessing renal neuromodulationefficacy post-treatment.

Also described herein are several embodiments of methods for determiningsurrogate biomarker levels in a patient in accordance with the presenttechnology. In certain of these embodiments, these methods include (a)collecting a first plasma and/or first urine sample from a patient, (b)determining a first concentration of one or more surrogate biomarker(s)via enzyme immunoassay, (c) transluminally positioning an energydelivery element of a catheter within a target blood vessel of thepatient and adjacent to target neural fibers, (d) at least partiallyablating the target neural fibers via the energy delivery element, (e)collecting a second plasma and/or second urine sample from the patient,(f) determining a concentration of one or more surrogate biomarker(s)via enzyme immunoassay, and (g) comparing the first concentration to thesecond concentration, wherein, the difference between the firstconcentration and the second concentration corresponds, at least inpart, to a degree of ablation of the target renal neural fibers.

In certain embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, whereneuromodulation is carried out at or near the kidney (e.g., in the renalartery), changes in surrogate biomarker level may be measured in asystemic biological sample obtained from the patient, for example bycollecting a blood or urine sample. A “biological sample” as used hereinmay refer to any bodily fluid (e.g., blood, plasma, urine, etc.) ortissue that may contain one or more surrogate biomarkers. In variousembodiment disclosed herein, the level of a biomarker can be determinedfrom a biological sample obtained from the bladder (e.g., urine). In oneembodiment, the urine sample may be collected via urethralcatheterization. In another embodiment, the urine sample may becollected by the patient in a cup or vial during normal urine excretion.Additional embodiments disclosed herein include assessing a level of abiomarker from a patient plasma sample. Plasma samples, for example, maybe prepared from routine blood samples collected via conventionaltechniques used by biological and clinical laboratory technicians.

Surrogate biomarkers for use in the methods disclosed herein may exhibita change in level that correlates with nerve ablation and/or whole bodyNE levels. In certain embodiments, for example, changes in the level ofa surrogate biomarker may be a direct result of neuromodulation, e.g., adirect response to neuronal damage. Changes in the level of a surrogatebiomarker may be indicative of a synaptic discharge of substances suchas small molecules (e.g., calcium) or neurotransmitters as a result ofaxonal damage, axonal stress, or axotectomy. For example, sympatheticdenervation might result in discharge of NE, NPY, or dopamine reservesat the synaptic ends in the kidney, resulting in a burst and/orsubsequent decline that can be collected and detected from renalarterial or venous blood or elsewhere such as in systemic blood orurine. In other embodiments, changes in the level of a biomarker may bean indirect/surrogate response to the neuromodulation procedure. Forexample, a surrogate biomarker may be a metabolite or other product ofcatabolism of catecholamines (e.g., NE, epinephrine, etc.) that isexcreted in urine.

In certain embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, neuromodulationefficacy is monitored and/or assessed by detecting changes in the levelof a single surrogate biomarker. In other embodiments, efficacy ismonitored and/or assessed by detecting changes in the level of two ormore surrogate biomarkers. In certain of these embodiments,neuromodulation is classified as successful or at least partiallysuccessful if each of the surrogate biomarkers exhibits a change inlevel. In other embodiments, neuromodulation is classified as successfulif a threshold number or a specific subset or combination of surrogatebiomarkers exhibits a change in level. In those embodiments that utilizetwo or more surrogate biomarkers, the surrogate biomarkers may be allproteins, all non-proteins, or a combination of proteins andnon-proteins. For example, the surrogate biomarkers maybe catecholaminesand/or metabolites thereof, neuropeptides and/or combinations thereof.

In certain embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, baseline levelof a surrogate biomarker is derived from the subject undergoingneuromodulation. For example, surrogate biomarker level may be measuredin the subject at one or more timepoints before neuromodulation. Thebaseline value may represent a surrogate biomarker level at a specifictimepoint before neuromodulation, or it may represent an average levelat two or more timepoints before neuromodulation. In certainembodiments, a baseline value is based on surrogate biomarker levelimmediately before neuromodulation (i.e., after the subject has alreadybeen catheterized for renal neuromodulation). Alternatively, a baselinevalue for a particular surrogate biomarker may be derived from astandard value for that surrogate biomarker across the population as awhole or across a particular subpopulation. In certain embodiments, thebaseline level of a surrogate biomarker is determined using the samemethod that is subsequently used to determine the post-neuromodulationlevel of the surrogate biomarker. In certain embodiments, changes insurrogate biomarker level are calculated based on the difference betweenbaseline level and post-neuromodulation level. For example, thedifferential (delta) in surrogate biomarker concentration levels can bethe difference between surrogate biomarker concentration levels at aspecific timepoint pre- and post-neuromodulation.

Surrogate biomarkers for use in the methods disclosed herein may exhibita two-fold or greater change in level in response to neuromodulation.For example, a surrogate biomarker may be a catecholamine or metabolitethereof that exhibits a two-fold or greater decrease in a urine samplefollowing neuromodulation. In certain of these embodiments, a surrogatebiomarker exhibits a three-fold or greater, five-fold or greater, orten-fold or greater change in level in response to neuromodulation.

In certain embodiments, surrogate biomarkers for use in the methodsdisclosed herein exhibit a change in level within a predeterminedtimeframe post-neuromodulation. In some embodiments, certain surrogatebiomarkers for use in the methods disclosed herein may exhibit a changein level relatively contemporaneous to neuromodulation. For example, incertain embodiments a surrogate biomarker exhibits a change in levelwithin 10 minutes, 15 minutes, or 30 minutes of neuromodulation.Accordingly, in certain embodiments, post-neuromodulation level for asurrogate biomarker is determined during neuromodulation or relativelycontemporaneous to neuromodulation, i.e., within 10 minutes, 15 minutes,or 30 minutes of neuromodulation. In some embodiments,post-neuromodulation level for a surrogate biomarker is determined in anacute timeframe, i.e., while the subject is still catheterized (e.g.,within the renal vasculature) and/or under anesthesia. Alternatively orin addition to a change in level at the time of neuromodulation orrelatively contemporaneous to neuromodulation, a surrogate biomarker mayexhibit a change in level at a later timepoint (e.g., at a chronictimepoint). For example, in certain embodiments a surrogate biomarkerexhibits a change in level within 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, 8 hours, 12hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, 7 days, 14 days, one month, twomonths, three months, four months, 6 months or one year ofneuromodulation. Accordingly, in certain embodiments,post-neuromodulation level for a surrogate biomarker is determined 2hours or more after neuromodulation, i.e., within 2 hours, 4 hours, 6hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, 7 days, 14 days,one month, two months, three months, four months, 6 months, and/or oneyear of neuromodulation. In certain embodiments, changes in surrogatebiomarker level at these later timepoints can be used to assess orclassify a subject's response to neuromodulation. The resultantinformation can be used to develop predictive models for determiningwhether neuromodulation is likely to be effective in a particularsubject or subpopulation. Additionally, the resultant information can beused to determine if a repeat procedure is likely to be effective in aparticular subject.

The methods disclosed herein may be used to monitor or assess theefficacy of neuromodulation carried out using a variety of suitabletechniques. The neuromodulation, for example, may beelectrically-induced, thermally-induced, chemically-induced, or inducedin another suitable manner or combination of manners at one or moresuitable treatment locations during a treatment procedure. For example,neuromodulation may be carried out by delivering monopolar or bipolar RFenergy, microwave energy, laser light or optical energy, magnetic,ultrasound energy (e.g., intravascularly delivered ultrasound,extracorporeal ultrasound, high frequency ultrasound (HIFU)), directheat energy, and/or cryotherapeutic energy to target tissue at atreatment location to induce one or more desired effects at thetreatment location. A treatment location may be a location proximate toone or more nerves being neuromodulated. In some embodiments, thetreatment location is in or near a vessel or other body lumen. Forexample, a treatment location for renal neuromodulation may be at ornear the renal artery. In certain embodiments, the identity of thesurrogate biomarkers may vary depending on the neuromodulation methodbeing used. For example, neuromodulation using RF energy may result inchanges in the level of a different set of surrogate biomarkers thancryotherapy. In other embodiments, a specific surrogate biomarker or setof surrogate biomarkers may be effective for monitoring or assessingefficacy across a range of neuromodulation techniques.

In certain embodiments, changes in surrogate biomarker level can be usedin the prognosis of co-morbidities that are directly or indirectlybenefited by neuromodulation. In other embodiments, changes in surrogatebiomarker level can be used to predict a subject's response toneuromodulation.

Determination of baseline and/or post-neuromodulation surrogatebiomarker level may be carried out using any previously known methodand/or methods disclosed herein. In some embodiments, for example,determination of surrogate biomarker level utilizes a detection methodthat produces results in an acute timeframe following neuromodulation.Where a surrogate biomarker is an excreted catecholamine or metabolitethereof, determination of the biomarker level may utilize one or moredetection agents.

In certain embodiments, interaction of the surrogate biomarker with adetection agent results in a quantifiable signal. This quantifiablesignal may be, for example, a colorimetric, fluorescent, heat, energy,or electric signal. In certain embodiments, this signal may betransduced to an external visual output device. In one particularembodiment high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) can be used toidentify and quantify one or more surrogate biomarkers in a biologicalsample. In certain embodiments, a biomarker-specific detection agent maybe labeled, such as for example with an enzymatic or radioactive label.A detection agent may be a binding substrate for a secondary captureagent, such as a labeled antibody. In additional embodiments, urinedip-stick tests can be used to rapidly report levels of particularsurrogate biomarkers (e.g., albumin, microalbuminuria) present in urinepre- and post-neuromodulation procedures.

In certain embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, determination ofbaseline and/or post-neuromodulation surrogate biomarker level iscarried out using any immunoassay-based method. In one embodiment,enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) techniques can be used to quantify asurrogate biomarker level. In certain examples, surrogate biomarkerlevels may be determined using an electrochemical immunosensor, whichprovides concentration-dependent signaling (see, e.g., Centi Bioanalysis1:1271 (2009); Rusling Analyst 135:2496 (2010)). Antibodies for use inan immunoassay-based determination of surrogate biomarker level may belabeled or unlabeled.

In certain embodiments, the methods provided herein indicate to apractitioner the likelihood that a neuromodulation procedure wassuccessful. For example, the percentage of change of surrogate biomarkerlevel between baseline level and post-neuromodulation level may indicatethe level of success of the procedure. In a particular example, a30%-60%/o decrease in surrogate biomarker level may indicate partialsuccess, while a 70%-90% decrease in surrogate biomarker level mayindicate a more desirable efficacy (e.g., complete or near completesuccess). In some embodiments, the methods provided herein provide abinary “yes or no” indicator of the success of a neuromodulationprocedure. In these embodiments, a specific threshold increase ordecrease in the level of a surrogate biomarker or set of surrogatebiomarkers indicates the neuromodulation procedure was successful. Incertain of these embodiments, the specific threshold change indicatesthat the neuromodulation procedure was successful with a specificconfidence interval (e.g., 95% or greater, 97% or greater, or 99% orgreater). In some embodiments, information regarding changes in thelevel of a surrogate biomarker may be combined with one or moreadditional parameters such as blood pressure, temperature, nervesignaling data, or impedance in assessing neuromodulation efficacy.Further, efficacy may be evaluated based on a combination of allparameters, with changes in surrogate biomarker level simply functioningas one of the parameters.

The following example is provided to better illustrate the disclosedtechnology and are not to be interpreted as limiting the scope of thetechnology. To the extent that specific materials are mentioned, it ismerely for purposes of illustration and is not intended to limit thetechnology. It will be understood that many variations can be made inthe procedures herein described while still remaining within the boundsof the present technology. It is the intention of the inventors thatsuch variations are included within the scope of the technology.

II. EXPERIMENTAL EXAMPLES Example 1

This section describes an example of the outcome of renalneuromodulation on animal subjects as assessed by quantification of VMAand NE levels pre- and post-neuromodulation. In this example, andreferring to FIG. 1, studies using the pig model have been performed anddirected to modulation of nerve tissue at treatment sites within therenal vasculatures using a catheter-based neuromodulation assemblyconfigured to deliver RF energy and commercially available fromMedtronic, Inc., of 710 Medtronic Parkway, Minneapolis, Minn.55432-5604.

Urine samples from eight pigs were collected by urethral catheterizationimmediately before the renal neuromodulation procedure and 10 minutes(+/−5 minutes) post-neuromodulation and subsequently analyzed. The urinesamples were assayed by an ELISA Assay Kit (VMA ELISA Assay Kitcommercially available from Eagle Biosciences, Inc., of 20A NW Blvd.,Suite 112, Nashua, N.H. 03063).

FIG. 1 is a plot of total combined concentration of VMA and NE (ng/ml)before and after renal neuromodulation procedures and which are plottedas a percent of the pre-neuromodulation (i.e., untreated) control. Asshown in FIG. 1, six of eight animals (9644, 9620, 9658, 9617, 9641 and9637) demonstrated a decrease in combined levels of VMA and NE inapproximately 10 minutes following renal neuromodulation treatment. Oneanimal (9621) demonstrated an increase in combined levels of VMA and NEfollowing renal neuromodulation, and one animal (9646) showed nosignificant difference in combined levels of VMA and NE following renalneuromodulation.

These findings suggest that systemic urine samples assessed for levelsof catecholamines (e.g., NE) and metabolites thereof (e.g., VMA) may beused to assess efficacy of renal neuromodulation and/or predict a levelof success of a renal neuromodulation procedure post-treatment in thepatient. Renal neuromodulation is known to result in cohorts ofdifferent levels of responders to the treatment and/or accuracy oftargeted nerve ablation. For example, in some human patients and porcineanimal experiments, some subjects have no change in blood pressure orother clinical symptoms or measurable physiological parametersassociated with hypertension and this is correlated with poordenervation of targeted nerve tissue (upon histological analysis ofanimal subjects). In other human patients and porcine animalexperiments, some subjects have partial improvement (e.g., 30%-60%improvement) in blood pressure or other clinical symptoms or measurablephysiological parameters associated with hypertension and this iscorrelated with partial denervation of targeted nerve tissue (uponhistological analysis of animal subjects). Additionally, in many humanpatients and porcine animal experiments, subjects have significantimprovement in blood pressure or other clinical symptoms or measurablephysiological parameters associated with hypertension and this iscorrelated with significant denervation of targeted nerve tissue (uponhistological analysis of animal subjects). Without being bound bytheory, it is hypothesized that animals demonstrating significantreduction in VMA and NE levels in urine collected post-neuromodulationcorrelate with significant and/or sufficient denervation of targetednerve tissue, or in cases of modest reduction (e.g., animal 9637), withpartial denervation of targeted nerve tissue. Further, animalsdemonstrating an increase or no significant reduction in VMA and NElevels in urine collected post-neuromodulation may correlate withinsufficient denervation of targeted nerve tissue.

Example 2

Example 2 describes the effect of renal neuromodulation on components ofthe RAAS in human patients with resistant hypertension. Eight patients(55.4±13 years) with treatment resistant hypertension were included in astudy to determine blood and urine samples levels of individualcomponents of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) before(day −1), after (day=1) and again after 3 months of renal nerveablation.

Results indicated no statistically significant change in renal plasmaflow, plasma renin activity or serum angiotensin II levels in thiscohort of patients. There was a significant acute decrease in plasmaaldosterone concentration one day post ablation (day −1:161 (140-265)vs. day +1:110 (101-168) pg/ml, p=0.012) and in accordance an increasedurinary sodium/potassium ratio (day −1:2.41 (1.17-3.44) vs. day +1:6.02(4.83-7.92), p=0.028). After 3 months, these changes were no longerevident. Urinary angiotensinogen levels, considered as a parameter ofthe local renal RAAS activity, tended to be reduced at day +1 (P=0.116)and significantly decreased after 3 months (6.06 (3.02-13.8) vs. 16.6(8.50-37.0). P=0.046 compared to day −1 levels.

Example 3

Example 3 describes a method of assessing the outcome of renalneuromodulation on animal subjects by quantification of renin andaldosterone concentration levels in plasma pre- andpost-neuromodulation. In this example, studies using the pig model willbe performed and directed to modulation of nerve tissue at treatmentsites within the renal vasculatures using a catheter-basedneuromodulation assembly configured to deliver RF energy andcommercially available from Medtronic, Inc., of Minneapolis, Minn. Serumsamples from each animal will collected pre-neuromodulation,approximately 15 minutes post-neuromodulation, and 28 dayspost-neuromodulation.

Protein concentration levels of systemic renin and systemic aldosteronewill be assessed for each animal pre-neuromodulation andpost-neuromodulation at 10 min+/−5 min (acute time-frame), 14 dayspost-neuromodulation, and 28 days post-neuromodulation using standardELISA techniques. For example, serum samples will be assayed for pigrenin protein levels by an ELISA Assay Kit (Pig Renin ELISA Kitcommercially available from Cusabio® Biotech Company, Ltd., of Wuhan,Hubei Province 430206, P.R. China). Serum samples will also be assayedfor pig aldosterone protein levels by an ELISA Assay Kit (Aldosterone(Pig) ELISA kit commercially available from Abnova Corporation of NeihuDistrict. Taipei City 114 Taiwan).

In addition to quantification of systemic renin and aldosterone proteinconcentration levels in serum at the selected time points pre- andpost-neuromodulation, the animals will be assessed for blood pressure(e.g., office blood pressure measurements) at the selected time points,as well as by telemetry (e.g., ambulatory blood pressure measurements)during the course of the study. Animals will be sacrificed on day 28 andcortical axon density (i.e., cortical axon area (per mm²)) will beassessed. The study will allow an investigator to determine the trend(e.g., increased levels, decreased levels, spikes in levels, etc.) ofsystemic renin and aldosterone protein concentrations following renaldenervation and assess such concentration levels as a predictor (e.g.,surrogate biomarker) of procedural efficacy (e.g., as level changescorrelate with decrease(s) in office and telemetry blood pressurereadings and cortical axon density measurements). The results of thisstudy may be used to assess the predictive value of systemic renin andaldosterone levels in serum as an immediate (e.g., within 15 minutespost-neuromodulation) or long-term (e.g., within 28 dayspost-neuromodulation) predictor of efficacy of renal neuromodulationand/or predictor of a level of success of a renal neuromodulationprocedure post-treatment in the patient.

As discussed above, renal neuromodulation is known to result in cohortsof different levels of responders to the treatment and/or accuracy oftargeted nerve ablation: (a) those with no long-term change in bloodpressure or other clinical symptoms or measurable physiologicalparameters associated with hypertension which is correlated with poordenervation of targeted nerve tissue (upon histological analysis ofanimal subjects); (b) those partial improvement (e.g., 30%-60%improvement) in blood pressure or other clinical symptoms or measurablephysiological parameters associated with hypertension which iscorrelated with partial denervation of targeted nerve tissue (uponhistological analysis of animal subjects); and (c) those demonstratingsignificant improvement in blood pressure or other clinical symptoms ormeasurable physiological parameters associated with hypertension that iscorrelated with significant denervation of targeted nerve tissue (uponhistological analysis of animal subjects).

Without being bound by theory, it is hypothesized that animalsdemonstrating immediate and/or long-term changes in levels of systemicrenin and/or aldosterone in serum collected post-neuromodulation will bea correlative predictor for significant and/or sufficient ablation oftargeted nerve tissue, or in cases of modest immediate and/or long-termchanges, with partial denervation of targeted nerve tissue. Further,animals demonstrating no significant change in renin and/or aldosteronelevels in urine collected post-neuromodulation may correlate withinsufficient ablation of targeted nerve tissue. As such, systemic reninand/or aldosterone levels in serum collected from patientspost-neuromodulation may indicate to a treating physician the degree(within predictive tolerances) of renal denervation achieved forassessing treatment success and/or the value of a repeat procedure tomeet therapeutic benchmarks in individual patients.

III. SELECTED EMBODIMENTS OF RENAL NEUROMODULATION SYSTEMS AND DEVICES

FIG. 2 illustrates a renal neuromodulation system 10 configured inaccordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The system 10,for example, may be used to perform therapeutically-effective renalneuromodulation on a patient diagnosed with increased overallsympathetic activity, and, in particular, conditions associated withcentral sympathetic overstimulation such as hypertension, heart failure,acute myocardial infarction, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance,diabetes, left ventricular hypertrophy, chronic and end stage renaldisease, inappropriate fluid retention in heart failure, cardio-renalsyndrome, and osteoporosis, among others. The system 10 includes anintravascular treatment device 12 operably coupled to an energy sourceor console 26 (e.g., a RF energy generator, a cryotherapy console). Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the treatment device 12 (e.g., acatheter) includes an elongated shaft 16 having a proximal portion 18, ahandle 34 at a proximal region of the proximal portion 18, and a distalportion 20 extending distally relative to the proximal portion 18. Thetreatment device 12 further includes a neuromodulation assembly ortreatment section 21 at the distal portion 20 of the shaft 16. Theneuromodulation assembly 21 can be configured to ablate nerve tissueand/or for monitoring one or more physiological parameters within thevasculature. Accordingly, a neuromodulation assembly 21 suitable forablation may include one or more electrodes, transducers,energy-delivery elements or cryotherapeutic cooling assemblies.Neuromodulation assemblies 21 suitable for monitoring may include anerve monitoring device and/or blood collection/analysis device. In someembodiments, the neuromodulation assembly 21 can be configured to bedelivered to a renal blood vessel (e.g., a renal artery) in alow-profile configuration.

In one embodiment, for example, the neuromodulation assembly 21 caninclude a single electrode. In other embodiments, the neuromodulationassembly 21 may comprise a basket and a plurality of electrodes carriedby the basket. The electrodes on the basket may be spaced apart fromeach other such that each electrode is approximately 90° apart from aneighboring electrode. In yet another embodiment, the neuromodulationassembly 21 can include a balloon and a plurality of bipolar electrodescarried by the balloon. In still another embodiment, the neuromodulationassembly 21 has a plurality of electrodes arranged along an elongatedmember transformable between a low-profile, delivery configuration(e.g., contained in a delivery catheter) and an expanded, deployedconfiguration in which the elongated member has a helical/spiral shape.In further embodiments, the neuromodulation assembly 21 can include oneor more electrodes configured to deliver ablation energy and/orstimulation energy. In some arrangements, the neuromodulation assembly21 can include one or more sensor(s) for detecting impedance or nervemonitoring signals. In any of the foregoing embodiments, theneuromodulation assembly 21 may comprise an irrigated electrode.

Upon delivery to a target treatment site within a renal blood vessel,the neuromodulation assembly 21 can be further configured to be deployedinto a treatment state or arrangement for delivering energy at thetreatment site and providing therapeutically-effectiveelectrically-induced and/or thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. Insome embodiments, the neuromodulation assembly 21 may be placed ortransformed into the deployed state or arrangement via remote actuation,e.g., via an actuator 36, such as a knob, pin, or lever carried by thehandle 34. In other embodiments, however, the neuromodulation assembly21 may be transformed between the delivery and deployed states usingother suitable mechanisms or techniques.

The proximal end of the neuromodulation assembly 21 can be carried by oraffixed to the distal portion 20 of the elongated shaft 16. A distal endof the neuromodulation assembly 21 may terminate with, for example, anatraumatic rounded tip or cap. Alternatively, the distal end of theneuromodulation assembly 21 may be configured to engage another elementof the system 10 or treatment device 12. For example, the distal end ofthe neuromodulation assembly 21 may define a passageway for engaging aguide wire (not shown) for delivery of the treatment device usingover-the-wire (“OTW”) or rapid exchange (“RX”) techniques. The treatmentdevice 12 can also be a steerable or non-steerable catheter device(e.g., a guide catheter) configured for use without a guide wire. Bodylumens (e.g., ducts or internal chambers) can be treated, for example,by non-percutaneously passing the shaft 16 and neuromodulation assembly21 through externally accessible passages of the body or other suitablemethods.

The console 26 can be configured to generate a selected form andmagnitude of energy for delivery to the target treatment site via theneuromodulation assembly 21. A control mechanism, such as a foot pedal32, may be connected (e.g., pneumatically connected or electricallyconnected) to the console 26 to allow an operator to initiate, terminateand, optionally, adjust various operational characteristics of theconsole 26, including, but not limited to, power delivery. The system 10may also include a remote control device (not shown) that can bepositioned in a sterile field and operably coupled to theneuromodulation assembly 21. The remote control device can be configuredto allow for selective activation of the neuromodulation assembly 21. Inother embodiments, the remote control device may be built into thehandle assembly 34. The energy source 26 can be configured to deliverthe treatment energy via an automated control algorithm 30 and/or underthe control of the clinician. In addition, the energy source 26 mayinclude one or more evaluation or feedback algorithms 31 to providefeedback to the clinician before, during, and/or after therapy.

The energy source 26 can further include a device or monitor that mayinclude processing circuitry, such as a microprocessor, and a display33. The processing circuitry may be configured to execute storedinstructions relating to the control algorithm 30. The energy source 26may be configured to communicate with the treatment device 12 (e.g., viaa cable 28) to control the neuromodulation assembly and/or to sendsignals to or receive signals from the nerve monitoring device. Thedisplay 33 may be configured to provide indications of power levels orsensor data, such as audio, visual or other indications, or may beconfigured to communicate information to another device. For example,the console 26 may also be configured to be operably coupled to acatheter lab screen or system for displaying treatment information, suchas nerve activity before and/or after treatment.

In certain embodiments, a neuromodulation device for use in the methodsdisclosed herein may combine two or more energy modalities. For example,the device may include both a hyperthermic source of ablative energy anda hypothermic source, making it capable of, for example, performing bothRF neuromodulation and cryo-neuromodulation. The distal end of thetreatment device may be straight (for example, a focal catheter),expandable (for example, an expanding mesh or balloon), or have anyother configuration. For example, the distal end of the treatment devicecan be at least partially helical/spiral in the deployed state.Additionally or alternatively, the treatment device may be configured tocarry out one or more non-ablative neuromodulatory techniques. Forexample, the device may comprise a means for diffusing a drug orpharmaceutical compound at the target treatment area (e.g., a distalspray nozzle).

IV. SELECTED EXAMPLES OF TREATMENT PROCEDURES FOR RENAL NEUROMODULATION

FIG. 3 illustrates modulating renal nerves with an embodiment of thesystem 10 (FIG. 2). The treatment device 12 provides access to the renalplexus RP through an intravascular path P, such as a percutaneous accesssite in the femoral (illustrated), brachial, radial, or axillary arteryto a targeted treatment site within a respective renal artery RA. Asillustrated, a section of the proximal portion 18 of the shaft 16 isexposed externally of the patient. By manipulating the proximal portion18 of the shaft 16 from outside the intravascular path P, the clinicianmay advance the shaft 16 through the sometimes tortuous intravascularpath P and remotely manipulate the distal portion 20 of the shaft 16.Image guidance, e.g., computed tomography (CT), fluoroscopy,intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), optical coherence tomography (OCT), oranother suitable guidance modality, or combinations thereof, may be usedto aid the clinician's manipulation. Further, in some embodiments, imageguidance components (e.g., IVUS, OCT) may be incorporated into thetreatment device 12. In some embodiments, the shaft 16 and theneuromodulation assembly 21 can be 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 French or anothersuitable size. Furthermore, the shaft 16 and the neuromodulationassembly 21 can be partially or fully radiopaque and/or can includeradiopaque markers corresponding to measurements, e.g., every 5 cm.

After the neuromodulation assembly 21 is adequately positioned in therenal artery RA, it can be radially expanded or otherwise deployed usingthe handle 34 or other suitable control mechanism until theneuromodulation assembly is positioned at its target site and in stablecontact with the inner wall of the renal artery RA. The purposefulapplication of energy from the neuromodulation assembly can then beapplied to tissue to induce one or more desired neuromodulating effectson localized regions of the renal artery RA and adjacent regions of therenal plexus RP, which lay intimately within, adjacent to, or in closeproximity to the adventitia of the renal artery RA. The neuromodulatingeffects may include denervation, thermal ablation, and non-ablativethermal alteration or damage (e.g., via sustained heating and/orresistive heating). The purposeful application of the energy may achieveneuromodulation along all or at least a portion of the renal plexus RP.

In the deployed state, the neuromodulation assembly 21 can be configuredto contact an inner wall of a vessel of the renal vasculature and toform a suitable lesion or pattern of lesions without the need forrepositioning. For example, the neuromodulation assembly 21 can beconfigured to form a single lesion or a series of lesions, e.g.,overlapping and/or non-overlapping. In some embodiments, the lesion(s)(e.g., pattern of lesions) can extend around generally the entirecircumference of the vessel, but can still be non-circumferential atlongitudinal segments or zones along a lengthwise portion of the vessel.This can facilitate precise and efficient treatment with a lowpossibility of vessel stenosis. In other embodiments, theneuromodulation assembly 21 can be configured form apartially-circumferential lesion or a fully-circumferential lesion at asingle longitudinal segment or zone of the vessel. During treatment, theneuromodulation assembly 21 can be configured for partial or fullocclusion of a vessel. Partial occlusion can be useful, for example, toreduce ischemia, while full occlusion can be useful, for example, toreduce interference (e.g., warming or cooling) caused by blood flowthrough the treatment location. In some embodiments, the neuromodulationassembly 21 can be configured to cause therapeutically-effectiveneuromodulation (e.g., using ultrasound energy) without contacting avessel wall.

As mentioned previously, the methods disclosed herein may use a varietyof suitable energy modalities, including RF energy, pulsed RF energy,microwave energy, laser, optical energy, ultrasound energy (e.g.,intravascularly delivered ultrasound, extracorporeal ultrasound, HIFU),magnetic energy, direct heat, cryotherapy, radiation (e.g., infrared,visible, gamma), or a combination thereof. Alternatively or in additionto these techniques, the methods may utilize one or more non-ablativeneuromodulatory techniques. For example, the methods may utilizenon-ablative SNS neuromodulation by removal of target nerves (e.g.,surgically), injection of target nerves with a destructive drug orpharmaceutical compound, or treatment of the target nerves withnon-ablative energy modalities (e.g., laser or light energy). In certainembodiments, the amount of reduction of the sympathetic nerve activitymay vary depending on the specific technique being used.

Furthermore, a treatment procedure can include treatment at any suitablenumber of treatment locations, e.g., a single treatment location, twotreatment locations, or more than two treatment locations. In someembodiments, different treatment locations can correspond to differentportions of the renal artery RA, the renal vein, and/or other suitablestructures proximate tissue having relatively high concentrations ofrenal nerves. The shaft 16 can be steerable (e.g., via one or more pullwires, a steerable guide or sheath catheter, etc.) and can be configuredto move the neuromodulation assembly 21 between treatment locations. Ateach treatment location, the neuromodulation assembly 21 can beactivated to cause modulation of nerves proximate the treatmentlocation. Activating the neuromodulation assembly 21 can include, forexample, heating, cooling, stimulating, or applying another suitabletreatment modality at the treatment location. Activating theneuromodulation assembly 21 can further include applying various energymodalities at varying power levels, intensities and for variousdurations for achieving modulation of nerves proximate the treatmentlocation. In some embodiments, power levels, intensities and/ortreatment duration can be determined and employed using variousalgorithms for ensuring modulation of nerves at select distances (e.g.,depths) away from the treatment location. Furthermore, as notedpreviously, in some embodiments, the neuromodulation assembly 21 can beconfigured to introduce (e.g., inject) a chemical (e.g., a drug or otheragent) into target tissue at the treatment location. Such chemicals oragents can be applied at various concentrations depending on treatmentlocation and the relative depth of the target nerves.

As discussed, the neuromodulation assembly 21 can be positioned at atreatment location within the renal artery RA, for example, via acatheterization path including a femoral artery and the aorta, oranother suitable catheterization path, e.g., a radial or brachialcatheterization path. Catheterization can be guided, for example, usingimaging, e.g., magnetic resonance, computed tomography, fluoroscopy,ultrasound, intravascular ultrasound, optical coherence tomography, oranother suitable imaging modality. The neuromodulation assembly 21 canbe configured to accommodate the anatomy of the renal artery RA, therenal vein, and/or another suitable structure. For example, theneuromodulation assembly 21 can include a balloon (not shown) configuredto inflate to a size generally corresponding to the internal size of therenal artery RA, the renal vein, and/or another suitable structure. Insome embodiments, the neuromodulation assembly 21 can be an implantabledevice and a treatment procedure can include locating theneuromodulation assembly 21 at the treatment location using the shaft 16fixing the neuromodulation assembly 21 at the treatment location,separating the neuromodulation assembly 21 from the shaft 16, andwithdrawing the shaft 16. Other treatment procedures for modulation ofrenal nerves in accordance with embodiments of the present technologyare also possible.

V. FURTHER EXAMPLES

The following examples are illustrative of several embodiments of thepresent technology:

1. A method of assessing the efficacy of a renal neuromodulationprocedure in a human subject, the method comprising:

-   -   determining a baseline level of one or more biomarkers in plasma        or urine collected from the human subject;    -   at least partially inhibiting sympathetic neural activity in a        renal nerve of the human subject via a neuromodulation assembly;    -   determining a post-neuromodulation level for the biomarker(s) in        plasma or urine collected from the human subject; and    -   comparing the post-neuromodulation level to the baseline level,        wherein the neuromodulation procedure is classified as at least        partially successful if the post-neuromodulation level differs        significantly from the baseline level.

2. The method of example 1 wherein the one or more biomarkers includes acatecholamine or a metabolite thereof.

3. The method of example 1 or example 2 wherein the one or morebiomarkers includes norepinephrine.

4. The method of any one of examples 1-3 wherein the one or morebiomarkers includes vanillylmandelic acid in urine collected from thehuman subject.

5. The method of any one of examples 1-4 wherein determining a baselinelevel of one or more biomarkers includes determining a baseline level ofnorepinephrine and vanillylmandelic acid in urine collected from thehuman subject, and wherein determining a post-neuromodulation level forthe biomarker(s) includes determining a post-neuromodulation level ofnorepinephrine and vanillylmandelic acid in urine collected from thehuman subject.

6. The method of any one of examples 1-4 wherein the one or morebiomarkers includes neuropeptide Y in plasma collected from the humansubject.

7. The method of any one of examples 1-4 and example 6 wherein the oneor more biomarkers includes vasopressin collected in plasma collectedfrom the human subject.

8. The method of example 1 wherein the one or more biomarkers includestotal catecholamines and metabolites thereof in urine collected from thehuman subject.

9. The method of example 1 wherein the one or more biomarkers isselected from the group consisting of norepinephrine, normetanephrine,vanillylmandelic acid, epinephrine, metanephrine, neuropeptide Y,vasopressin, albumin and microalbuminuria.

10. The method of example 1 wherein the one or more biomarkers isselected from a component of the renin-angiotensin aldosterone system inplasma collected from the human subject.

11. The method of example 10 wherein the component of therenin-angiotensin aldosterone system is aldosterone.

12. The method of any one of examples 1-11 wherein the baseline level issignificantly higher than the post-neuromodulation level.

13. The method of any one of examples 1-12 wherein thepost-neuromodulation level is at least about 20%, about 30%, or about40% lower than the baseline level.

14. The method of any one of examples 1-13 wherein the postneuromodulation level is at least about 50% lower than the baselinelevel.

15. The method of any one of examples 1-14 wherein the postneuromodulation level is at least about 50%, about 60% or about 70%lower than the baseline level.

16. The method of any one of examples 1-15 wherein the postneuromodulation level is at least about 80% or about 90% lower than thebaseline level. 17. The method of any one of examples 1-16 wherein thepost-neuromodulation level of the biomarker(s) is determined at about 15minutes, about 24 hours, or about 7 days post-denervation.

18. The method of any one of examples 1-16 wherein thepost-neuromodulation level of the biomarker(s) is determined at about 1month, 3 months or about 6 months post-denervation.

19. The method of any one of examples 1-11 wherein the baseline level issignificantly lower than the post-neuromodulation level, and wherein thepost-neuromodulation level of the biomarker(s) is determined at about 15minutes or about 24 hours post-denervation.

20. The method of example 19 wherein a post-neuromodulation level of thebiomarker(s) determined at about 1 month, about 3 months, or about 6months post-denervation is lower than the baseline level and the leveldetermined at about 15 minutes or about 24 hours post-denervation.

21. The method of any one of examples 1-20 wherein at least partiallyinhibiting sympathetic neural activity in a renal nerve of the humansubject comprises delivering energy to the renal nerve via theneuromodulation assembly to modulate the renal nerve.

22. The method of example 21 wherein the energy is radio frequency (RF)energy.

23. The method of example 21 wherein the energy is selected from thegroup consisting of pulsed RF energy, microwave energy, laser lightenergy, optical energy, ultrasound energy, high-intensity focusedultrasound energy, magnetic energy, direct heat energy, andcryotherapeutic energy.

24. The method of any one of examples 1-22 wherein the neuromodulationassembly comprises an intravascularly positioned catheter carrying anenergy delivery element positioned at least proximate to the renalnerve.

25. The method of any one of examples 1-22 wherein at least partiallyinhibiting sympathetic neural activity in a renal nerve of the humansubject comprises thermally modulating the renal nerve via theneuromodulation assembly from within a renal blood vessel of thesubject.

26. A method of assessing efficacy of a renal neuromodulation procedurein a human subject, the method comprising:

-   -   determining a post-neuromodulation level for one or more        biomarker(s) in plasma or urine collected from the human subject        following the renal neuromodulation procedure, wherein the level        of biomarker(s) directly or indirectly correlate with        sympathetic nervous activity in the human subject; and    -   comparing the post-neuromodulation level to a pre-determined        threshold level for the biomarker(s), wherein the renal        neuromodulation procedure is classified as at least partially        successful if the post-neuromodulation level is less than the        pre-determined threshold level.

27. A method of assessing efficacy of a renal neuromodulation procedurein a human subject, the method comprising:

-   -   determining a post-neuromodulation level for one or more        biomarker(s) in plasma or urine collected from the human subject        following the renal neuromodulation procedure, wherein the level        of biomarker(s) directly or indirectly correlate with        sympathetic nervous activity in the human subject; and    -   comparing the post-neuromodulation level to a pre-determined        range of level for the biomarker(s), wherein the renal        neuromodulation procedure is classified as at least partially        successful if the post-neuromodulation level falls within or        near the pre-determined range of level.

28. The method of example 26 or example 27 wherein the one or morebiomarker(s) includes a catecholamine or a metabolite thereof.

29. The method of any one of examples 26-28 wherein the one or morebiomarkers includes norepinephrine.

30. The method of any one of examples 26-29 wherein the one or morebiomarkers includes vanillylmandelic acid in urine collected from thehuman subject.

31. The method of example 26 or example 27 wherein the one or morebiomarkers is selected from the group consisting of norepinephrine,normetanephrine, vanillylmandelic acid, epinephrine, metanephrine,neuropeptide Y, vasopressin and albumin.

32. The method of example 26 or example 27 wherein the one or morebiomarkers is selected from a component of the renin-angiotensinaldosterone system in plasma collected from the human subject.

33. The method of example 32 wherein the component of therenin-angiotensin aldosterone system is aldosterone.

34. The method of any one of examples 26-33 wherein before determining apost-neuromodulation level for one or more biomarker(s), the methodfurther comprises at least partially inhibiting sympathetic neuralactivity in a renal nerve of the human subject via a neuromodulationassembly.

35. The method of any one of examples 26-33 wherein prior to determininga post neuromodulation level for the biomarkers, the method furthercomprises:

-   -   transluminally positioning an energy delivery element of a        catheter within a target blood vessel of the human subject and        adjacent to target neural fibers; and    -   at least partially ablating the target neural fibers via the        energy delivery element.

36. The method of any one of examples 26-29 wherein thepost-neuromodulation level of the biomarker(s) is determined at about 15minutes, about 24 hours, or about 7 days following the renalneuromodulation procedure.

37. The method of any one of examples 26-35 wherein thepost-neuromodulation level of the biomarker(s) is determined at about 1month, 3 months or about 6 months following the renal neuromodulationprocedure.

38. The method of any one of examples 26 and 28-37 wherein thepre-determined threshold level is an upper limit of a normal range oflevel for the biomarker(s).

39. The method of any one of examples 27-37 wherein the pre-determinedrange of level for the biomarker(s) is a normal range of level for thebiomarker(s).

40. The method of example 26 or example 27 wherein the level ofbiomarker(s) directly or indirectly correlate with blood pressure in thehuman subject.

41. A device for carrying out the method of any of examples 1-40.

42. A system for carrying out the method of any of examples 1-40.

VI. CONCLUSION

The above detailed descriptions of embodiments of the technology are notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise formdisclosed above. Although specific embodiments of, and examples for, thetechnology are described above for illustrative purposes, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the scope of thetechnology, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Forexample, while steps are presented in a given order, alternativeembodiments may perform steps in a different order. The variousembodiments described herein may also be combined to provide furtherembodiments. All references cited herein are incorporated by referenceas if fully set forth herein.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments ofthe technology have been described herein for purposes of illustration,but well-known structures and functions have not been shown or describedin detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of theembodiments of the technology. Where the context permits, singular orplural terms may also include the plural or singular term, respectively.

Moreover, unless the word “or” is expressly limited to mean only asingle item exclusive from the other items in reference to a list of twoor more items, then the use of “or” in such a list is to be interpretedas including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all of the items inthe list, or (c) any combination of the items in the list. Additionally,the term “comprising” is used throughout to mean including at least therecited feature(s) such that any greater number of the same featureand/or additional types of other features are not precluded. It willalso be appreciated that specific embodiments have been described hereinfor purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be madewithout deviating from the technology. Further, while advantagesassociated with certain embodiments of the technology have beendescribed in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments mayalso exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarilyexhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the technology.Accordingly, the disclosure and associated technology can encompassother embodiments not expressly shown or described herein.

1-42. (canceled)
 43. A method of assessing efficacy of a renalneuromodulation procedure in a human patient, the method comprising:determining a baseline level of one or more biomarkers in urinecollected from the patient; at least partially inhibiting sympatheticneural activity in a renal nerve of the patient via a neuromodulationassembly; determining a post-neuromodulation level for the biomarker(s)in urine collected from the patient; and comparing thepost-neuromodulation level to the baseline level, wherein theneuromodulation procedure is classified as at least partially successfulif the post-neuromodulation level differs significantly from thebaseline level, wherein one or more of the biomarkers are selected fromthe group consisting of normetanephrine, vanillylmandelic acid,metanephrine, homovanillic acid, albumin, and microalbuminuria.
 44. Themethod of claim 43 wherein the one or more biomarkers comprisesvanillylmandelic acid in urine collected from the patient.
 45. Themethod of claim 43 wherein: determining a baseline level of one or morebiomarkers includes determining a baseline level of norepinephrine andvanillylmandelic acid in urine collected from the patient; anddetermining a post-neuromodulation level for the biomarker(s) includesdetermining a post-neuromodulation level of norepinephrine andvanillylmandelic acid in urine collected from the patient.
 46. Themethod of claim 43 wherein the urine for determining thepost-neuromodulation level is collected from the patient prior toremoving the neuromodulation assembly from the patient.
 47. The methodof claim 43 wherein: determining a baseline level of one or morebiomarkers includes determining a baseline level of norepinephrine andnormetanephrine in urine collected from the patient; and determining apost-neuromodulation level for the biomarker(s) includes determining apost-neuromodulation level of norepinephrine and normetanephrine inurine collected from the patient.
 48. The method of claim 43 wherein:determining a baseline level of one or more biomarkers includesdetermining a baseline level of epinephrine and one or both ofmetanephrine and vanillymandelic acid in urine collected from thepatient; and determining a post-neuromodulation level for thebiomarker(s) includes determining a post-neuromodulation level ofepinephrine and one or both of metanephrine and vanillymandelic acid inurine collected from the patient.
 49. The method of claim 43 wherein:determining a baseline level of one or more biomarkers includesdetermining a baseline level of dopamine and homovanillic acid in urinecollected from the patient; and determining a post-neuromodulation levelfor the biomarker(s) includes determining a post-neuromodulation levelof dopamine and homovanillic acid in urine collected from the patient.50. The method of claim 43 wherein the one or more biomarkers comprisesalbumin or microalbuminuria in urine collected from the patient.
 51. Themethod of claim 43 wherein the post-neuromodulation level is a firstneuromodulation level, and wherein the method further comprises:determining a second post-neuromodulation level of the biomarker(s) atabout 1 month, about 3 months or about 6 months post-neuromodulation,and wherein the second post-neuromodulation level is lower than thebaseline level and the first post-neuromodulation level.
 52. The methodof claim 43 wherein the urine for determining the post-neuromodulationlevel is collected from the patient within about 10 minutes, withinabout 15 minutes or within about 30 minutes post-neuromodulation. 53.The method of claim 43 wherein the urine for determining thepost-neuromodulation level is collected from the patient at one or moretime points over 24 hours, at about 7 days, about 1 month, about 3months, or about 6 months post-neuromodulation.
 54. The method of claim43 wherein the post-neuromodulation level is at least about 20%, about30%, about 40%, or about 50% lower than the baseline level.
 55. Themethod of claim 43 wherein the post-neuromodulation level is at leastabout 60%, about 70%, about 80%, or about 90% lower than the baselinelevel.
 56. The method of claim 43 wherein the difference between thebaseline level and the post-neuromodulation level corresponds to adegree of ablation of the renal nerve.
 57. A method of assessingefficacy of a renal neuromodulation procedure in a human subject, themethod comprising: determining a post-neuromodulation level for one ormore biomarker(s) following the renal neuromodulation procedure, whereinthe level of biomarker(s) directly or indirectly correlate withsympathetic nervous activity in the human subject; and comparing thepost-neuromodulation level to a pre-determined threshold level for thebiomarker(s), wherein the renal neuromodulation procedure is classifiedas at least partially successful if the post-neuromodulation level isless than the pre-determined threshold level, no greater than about 5%above the pre-determined threshold level, or no greater than about 10%above the pre-determined threshold level, wherein one or more of thebiomarkers are selected from the group consisting of normetanephrine,vanillylmandelic acid, metanephrine, homovanillic acid, albumin, andmicroalbuminuria.
 58. The method of claim 57 wherein the pre-determinedthreshold level is an upper limit of a normal range of level for thebiomarker(s).
 59. The method of claim 57 wherein thepost-neuromodulation level of the biomarker(s) is determined at about 15minutes, about 24 hours, or about 7 days following the renalneuromodulation procedure.
 60. The method of claim 57 wherein thepost-neuromodulation level of the biomarker(s) are thepost-neuromodulation level of the biomarkers in urine collected from thehuman subject within about 10 minutes, within about 15 minutes, orwithin about 30 minutes post-neuromodulation.
 61. The method of claim 57wherein, prior to determining a post-neuromodulation level for thebiomarker(s), the method further comprises: transluminally positioningan energy delivery element of a catheter within a target blood vessel ofthe human subject and adjacent to target neural fibers; and at leastpartially ablating the target neural fibers via energy from the energydelivery element.
 62. The method of claim 61 wherein thepost-neuromodulation level of the biomarker(s) are thepost-neuromodulation level of the biomarker(s) in urine collected fromthe human subject prior to removing the energy delivery element from thehuman subject.
 63. The method of claim 57 wherein determining apost-neuromodulation level for the biomarker(s) includes determining apost-neuromodulation level of norepinephrine and vanillylmandelic acidin urine collected from the human subject.
 64. A method of assessingefficacy of a renal neuromodulation procedure in a human subject, themethod comprising: determining a post-neuromodulation level for one ormore biomarker(s) in urine collected from the human subject followingthe renal neuromodulation procedure, wherein the level of biomarker(s)directly or indirectly correlate with sympathetic nervous activity inthe human subject; and comparing the post-neuromodulation level to apre-determined range of level for the biomarker(s), wherein the renalneuromodulation procedure is classified as at least partially successfulif the post-neuromodulation level falls within or near thepre-determined range of level, wherein one or more of the biomarkers areselected from the group consisting of normetanephrine, vanillylmandelicacid, metanephrine, homovanillic acid, albumin, and microalbuminuria.65. The method of claim 64 wherein the pre-determined range of level forthe biomarker(s) is a normal range of level for the biomarker(s).